“Reading, Writing and Arithmetic” is the phrase that comes to mind when I think back to my early language and literacy development. I knew that my job in life, which I was told was school at the time, was to learn how to read, write, add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
As I think back to my early days of learning, I don’t remember a time when either of my parents or any relatives spent time helping me to learn how to read or write. That responsibility was left to me. Though my parents expected academic excellence (A’s and B’s), my instruction was left to the academic institutions. My motivation to learn was incentive-based (being on the ‘honor roll’ and not being grounded). I didn’t have any grand notions at the time that knowledge equalled power or that with knowledge I could chart my own course in life. I was strictly performing the tasks I was told to perform by my teachers as a compliant student – and as a child who didn’t want to get in trouble by bringing home bad grades. I saw what happened to my brothers when they brought home C’s or D’s and I didn’t want any part of that!
Since it was left to the school to teach me reading, writing, and arithmetic, the teachers I encountered played a big part in shaping my language competency. Beyond school, at an early age I learned by listening and observing. Our family usually got together with our extended family on Sundays at Grandma Tedesco’s house. Being Italian, Grandma and her side of the family always had plenty to say, plenty to eat, and plenty of attitudes. So while my family didn’t directly assist me with my reading or writing, the conversations around the dinner table helped to round out my knowledge of language and literacy. These gatherings gave me important insight into the ability to influence others simply by way of intonation and facial expressions. Sundays at Grandma’s house also expanded my vocabulary and introduced me to a whole non-verbal vocabulary based on gestures.
Looking back I see now that although my formal instruction of reading and writing may have been limited to academic institutions, everything and everyone I came in contact with played a part in influencing my development of language and literacy.
Swisco Closet Door Hardware
2 years ago
How funny! After reading your post, I remembered the "3R's" reading that we used to do!! Just had to comment, nothing big... =)
ReplyDeleteHey Susan,
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about how the lifestyle at home helped me develope my language and literacy. After thinking about it, I realized we all help our children learn the language as we anxiously wait for their first utterances! I can remember the excitment I felt when my children said "mama" and "dada" they were learning something that I had taught them! Every parent contributes to their childs development of language whether they realize it or not. So, my parents upon thinking back, set me on the path of literacy.
hey susan,
ReplyDeleteyou also just brought to my attention that being around family members can shape your literacy in many ways. Most of my spanish is incorrect because of my family. There are so many slang words that i've learned over the years. I enjoyed reading your blog : )